ii

They were enjoying the playground in the part on Sunday afternoon when Kate noticed a man lingering by the trees. She shivered despite the warm sun, the man made her feel a little uneasy. She kept a close eye on Jo, he was enjoying the swing as usual, and he had learnt how to propel himself now. “Jo!” Kate called, “Time to go.” She picked him up from the swing seat and put him on her back, “How about a horsey ride home?” She inquired playfully. Jo giggled and she skipped off towards home. She walked around the block before returning to the apartment. The man had made her feel very uneasy. He didn’t follow them, but she could feel his eyes upon them as they left the playground. ‘Creepy,’ she thought as she let them into the apartment. She considered calling P.C. Smith, but dismissed the idea, ‘I’m probably just being silly.’ She had become very protective of Jo; he seemed so vulnerable, though he was obviously a fighter to have come this far….

Kate’s mother had spoken to the principal at Ivanhoe Primary. He had suggested that they enquire at Abbotsford Primary. Their enrolments were down this year so they’d probably welcome another student. Kate would visit the school with her mum and Jo on Tuesday morning; it was her mother’s only free morning. Kate marvelled at how her mother could keep so busy, ‘where does she get the energy?’ Kate wondered as she handed Jo his usual Strasburg and sauce sandwich and cordial. She had just sat down when the doorbell rang. Kate answered the door, it was P.C. Smith again, and his Monday visits were becoming a regular fixture. “Hello P.C. Smith, come in, we were just having lunch, and can I get you anything?” Kate asked as she ushered him into the living room. “No thanks Kate, I’m due for my lunchbreak, just thought I’d drop by, still no news I’m afraid,” he said, he didn’t sit down. “I didn’t expect any,” Kate replied. She told him about how she’d been spooked in the park the day before. “You were right to be cautious,” P.C. Smith commended her, “though it was probably nothing to worry about.” Kate was reassured by his calm response, “You’re probably right, I guess I’m just a bit overprotective.” “That’s completely understandable,” he responded, “I’d better get going, don’t want to keep you from your lunch. Remember that you can call us anytime.” P.C Smith headed for the door, “Thanks again, Goodbye,” Kate farewelled the officer from the top of the stairs. “I just wanted to check in,” he said as he disappeared down the stairs.

Kate rejoined Jo at the table. He had finished his sandwich and was looking at his favourite picture book. Kate studied him; he didn’t seem to be reading, just looking at the pictures. ‘I wonder if he can read?’ Kate thought as she munched on her sandwich. She would have to investigate; perhaps he had never been to school. After she had cleared up their lunch things she called Jo and sat beside him on her lap with a simple Mr Men book. She tried to get him to read but it soon became clear to her that he couldn’t. She read him the story and then allowed him to watch TV; Looney Tunes was on. She called her mother, “Mum, I don’t think that he can read,” she explained, “Can you bring over some of your readers?” “Sure, they’re pretty old, but they’d be a good start. Are you sure?” she responded. “I’m fairly certain,” Kate, said, “I tried him with a Mr Men book after lunch and he had no idea.” “Well, I can bring them tomorrow when we visit the school.” Mrs McBride ended. Kate hung up and turned to Jo, “You are a mystery,” she mused quietly. He didn’t look up; his favourite cartoon was on, wyle-e-cyote.

Tuesday dawned fine and warm, it would be a nice day. Kate hoped that Jo would like the school; he could do with something normal and the opportunity to make a few friends. She met her mother outside the school gate and they made their way to the principal’s office. The school looked a smallish one, which was appealing to Kate. The principal gave a simple description of the school and its philosophy of education as he showed them around. “We’d probably put him in the prep class as it would be most appropriate for him,” he explained. “I think that would be best,” Kate’s mother agreed, “We don’t think he can read.” They returned to the principal’s office, it was almost recess. The bell rang and the prep teacher knocked at the door. The principal let her in, “this is Miss Brown,” the principal said by way of introduction, “and this is Jo.” Miss Brown knelt beside Jo’s chair and smiled at him, “Hello Jo, pleased to meet you.” Kate explained that Jo was mute and asked if it would be problem. “It will single him out a little,” Miss Brown responded, “But it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” Kate was relieved; she was so keen for Jo to be successful and to make friends. She had noticed that the class was fairly small and this reassured her. “We’d love to welcome Jo,” the principal said, “though there’s only six weeks left of the school year, so it’s probably a good idea for him to start next year.” Kate agreed, they all shook hands and left the office. Mrs McBride accompanied Kate and Jo home for lunch. “What shall I do with him in the meantime?” Kate asked her mum, “I have to go back to work next week.” “Your dad and I can look after him,” Mrs McBride offered, “I can continue his reading lessons.” “Are you sure Mum? You’re so busy,” Kate responded. “I can drop a few commitments for a while, we’ll manage,” she said reassuringly. Kate was relieved; it was a great idea.